Tokamak startup using point-source dc helicity injection

Startup of a 0.1 MA tokamak plasma is demonstrated on the ultralow aspect ratio Pegasus Toroidal Experiment using three localized, high-current density sources mounted near the outboard midplane. The injected open field current relaxes via helicity-conserving magnetic turbulence into a tokamaklike m...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inPhysical review letters Vol. 102; no. 22; p. 225003
Main Authors Battaglia, D J, Bongard, M W, Fonck, R J, Redd, A J, Sontag, A C
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 05.06.2009
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Summary:Startup of a 0.1 MA tokamak plasma is demonstrated on the ultralow aspect ratio Pegasus Toroidal Experiment using three localized, high-current density sources mounted near the outboard midplane. The injected open field current relaxes via helicity-conserving magnetic turbulence into a tokamaklike magnetic topology where the maximum sustained plasma current is determined by helicity balance and the requirements for magnetic relaxation.
ISSN:0031-9007
DOI:10.1103/PhysRevLett.102.225003